Q: Must one be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) to join TBDCC?
A: Anyone who supports TBDCC's mission and Code of Ethics is eligible to join. Those who support our mission but are not LGBTQ are considered allied.

Q: Where can I find information about TBDCC's membership benefits?
A: You can find information by clicking on our join tab or please call the TBDCC office at (727) 755-8390 to request a membership brochure.

Q: What if I'm not in business or a professional? Can TBDCC still offer me anything?
A: TBDCC members work in the for-profit, non-profit and public sectors representing business and professional leaders who are self-employed, business owners, CEOs, elected officials, government employees and students and retirees. Membership provides more than business networking and marketing opportunities - TBDCC offers visibility, advocacy, connection with the nonprofit community and support for the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders through the TBDCC Foundation. TBDCC is a thriving and diverse community.

Q: If I live or work outside of Tampa Bay, does it still make sense for me to join TBDCC?
A: TBDCC is the only chamber of its kind in the Tampa Bay area. Since its founding over 35 years ago, it has grown to become a strong regional chamber as much as a Tampa Bay specific - chamber. TBDCC’s membership has grown beyond Tampa area and has members, from Miami to Tallahassee. Having a large, broad constituency also helps TBDCC more effectively advocate for those who live or work in less inclusive areas of the Tampa Bay area.

Q: Do I have to be a TBDCC member to attend TBDCC programs and events?
A: Everyone is welcome to attend TBDCC's programs and events, but only members may advertise in TBDCC publications and enjoy the benefit of significantly reduced fees to participate in events.

Q: What makes TBDCC different than other business chambers?
A: TBDCC is as much a community as it is a business chamber. TBDCC members are loyal and steadfast in their commitment to a code of ethics that stands for diversity and inclusiveness, providing quality services and products and a commitment to philanthropy and investing in the future through the TBDCC scholarship program. Most of our 400+ members say they may have joined first for business reasons but remain connected to TBDCC because of the sense of community the organization was founded on and is still known for today.

Q: Why do you use LGBTQ, and not LGBT or other common acronyms?
A: Adding the "Q" to the "LGBTQ" is our way of showing our corporate, business, nonprofit members, our community, and even our staff that we are an inclusive organization and welcome everyone who supports equality. Adding the "Q" to the "LGBTQ" gives visibility and recognition to a large portion of our community that is often underserved and underrepresented in many ways.
(Fun fact: In modern terminology, Q does not reference the derogatory term "queer" as it was hurtfully used historically, but is the short term for "genderqueer", meaning anyone who identifies as gender nonconforming or gender fluid.)